Neil deGrasse Tyson has a talent for guiding readers through the mysteries of outer space with stunning clarity and almost childlike enthusiasm. This collection of his essays from Natural History magazine explores a myriad of cosmic topics. Tyson introduces us to the physics of black holes by explaining what would happen to our bodies if we fell into one; he also examines the needless friction between science and religion, and notes Earth's status as "an insignificantly small speck in the cosmos".

Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution

Origins explains the soul-stirring leaps in our understanding of the cosmos. From the first image of a galaxy birth to Spirit rover's exploration of Mars, to the discovery of water on one of Jupiter's moons, coauthors Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith conduct a galvanizing tour of the cosmos with clarity and exuberance.

The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet

In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted Pluto out of planethood. Far from the sun, tiny, and eccentric in orbit, it's a wonder Pluto has any fans. Yet during the mounting debate over Pluto's status, Americans rallied behind the extraterrestrial underdog.

Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier

With his signature wit and thought-provoking insights, Neil deGrasse Tyson - one of our foremost thinkers on all things space - illuminates the past, present, and future of space exploration and brilliantly reminds us why NASA matters now as much as ever. As Tyson reveals, exploring the space frontier can profoundly enrich many aspects of our daily lives, from education systems and the economy to national security and morale.

The Inexplicable Universe: Unsolved Mysteries

Everything we now know about the universe - from the behavior of quarks to the birth of galaxies - has come from people who've been willing to ponder the unanswerable. And with the advent of modern science, great minds have turned to testing and experimentation rather than mere thought as a way of grappling with some of the universe's most vexing dilemmas. So what is our latest picture of some of the most inexplicable features of the universe? What still remains to be uncovered and explored by today's scientists?

Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation

Sparked by a provocative comment to BigThink.com last fall, and fueled by a highly controversial debate with Creation Museum curator Ken Ham, Bill Nye's campaign to confront the scientific shortcoming of creationism has exploded in just a few months into a national crusade.

The 4 Percent Universe: Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Race to Discover the Rest of Reality

Over the past few decades, a handful of scientists have been racing to explain a disturbing aspect of our universe: only four percent of it consists of the matter that makes up you, me, our books, and every star and planet. The rest is completely unknown. Richard Panek tells the dramatic story of the quest to find this “dark” matter and an even more bizarre substance called “dark energy”. This is perhaps the greatest mystery in all of science, and solving it will bring fame, funding, and certainly a Nobel Prize.

Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition

"It doesn't take an Einstein to understand modern physics," says Professor Wolfson at the outset of these 24 lectures on what may be the most important subjects in the universe: relativity and quantum physics. Both have reputations for complexity. But the basic ideas behind them are, in fact, simple and comprehensible by anyone. These dynamic and illuminating lectures begin with a brief overview of theories of physical reality starting with Aristotle and culminating in Newtonian or "classical" physics.

The Grand Design

The most fundamental questions about the origins of the universe and of life itself, once the province of philosophy, now occupy the territory where scientists, philosophers, and theologians meet—if only to disagree. In their new book, Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow present the most recent scientific thinking about the mysteries of the universe, in nontechnical language marked by both brilliance and simplicity.

A Brief History of Time

This landmark book is for those of us who prefer words to equations; this is the story of the ultimate quest for knowledge, the ongoing search for the secrets at the heart of time and space. Its author, Stephen W. Hawking, is arguably the greatest mind since Einstein. From the vantage point of the wheelchair, where he has spent the last 20 years trapped by Lou Gehrig's disease, Professor Hawking has transformed our view of the universe. A Brief History of Time is Hawking's classic introduction to today's most important scientific ideas.

Parallel Worlds: A Journey Through Creation, Higher Dimensions, and the Future of the Cosmos

In this thrilling journey into the mysteries of our cosmos, best-selling author Michio Kaku takes us on a dizzying ride to explore black holes and time machines, multidimensional space and, most tantalizing of all, the possibility that parallel universes may lay alongside our own.

The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution

The Greatest Show on Earth is a stunning counterattack on advocates of "Intelligent Design," explaining the evidence for evolution while exposing the absurdities of the creationist "argument". Dawkins sifts through rich layers of scientific evidence: from living examples of natural selection to clues in the fossil record; from natural clocks that mark the vast epochs wherein evolution ran its course to the intricacies of developing embryos; from plate tectonics to molecular genetics.

A Universe from Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing

Where did the universe come from? What was there before it? What will the future bring? And finally, why is there something rather than nothing? Krauss’ answers to these and other timeless questions, in a wildly popular lecture on YouTube, has attracted almost a million viewers. One of the few prominent scientists to have actively crossed the chasm between science and popular culture, Krauss reveals that modern science is indeed addressing the question of why there is something rather than nothing—with surprising and fascinating results.

The Higgs Boson and Beyond

In this 12-lecture masterpiece of scientific reporting, you'll learn everything you need to know to fully grasp the significance of this discovery, including the basics of quantum mechanics; the four forces that comprise the Standard Model of particle physics; how these forces are transmitted by fields and particles; and the importance of symmetry in physics.

The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality

Space and time form the very fabric of the cosmos. Yet they remain among the most mysterious of concepts. Is space an entity? Why does time have a direction? Could the universe exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past?

The God Delusion

Discover magazine recently called Richard Dawkins "Darwin's Rottweiler" for his fierce and effective defense of evolution. Prospect magazine voted him among the top three public intellectuals in the world (along with Umberto Eco and Noam Chomsky). Now Dawkins turns his considerable intellect on religion, denouncing its faulty logic and the suffering it causes.

The Theory of Everything: The Origin and Fate of the Universe

Hawking takes us on a fascinating journey through the telescopic lens of modern physics to gain a new glimpse of the universe--the nature of black holes, the space-time continuum, and new information about the origin of the universe. He uses this scientific basis to come up with a "unified theory of everything" that the author claims will be "the ultimate triumph of human reason."

Fear of Physics

Fear of Physics is a lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, it nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavor.

Mysteries of Modern Physics: Time

Time rules our lives, woven into the very fabric of the universe-from the rising and setting of the sun to the cycles of nature, the thought processes in our brains, and the biorhythms in our day. Nothing so pervades our existence and yet is so difficult to explain. But now, in a series of 24 riveting lectures, you can grasp exactly why - as you take a mind-expanding journey through the past, present, and future, guided by a noted author and scientist.

A dazzling tour of the universe as Einstein saw it. How did Albert Einstein come up with the theories that changed the way we look at the world? By thinking in pictures. Michio Kaku, leading theoretical physicist (a cofounder of string theory) and best-selling science storyteller, shows how Einstein used seemingly simple images to lead a revolution in science. With originality and expertise, Kaku uncovers the surprising beauty that lies at the heart of Einstein's cosmos

Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100

In Physics of the Future, Michio Kaku—the New York Times best-selling author of Physics of the Impossible—gives us a stunning, provocative, and exhilarating vision of the coming century based on interviews with over 300 of the world’s top scientists who are already inventing the future in their labs. The result is the most authoritative and scientifically accurate description of revolutionary developments taking place....

The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos

There was a time when “universe” meant all there is. Everything. Yet, in recent years discoveries in physics and cosmology have led a number of scientists to conclude that our universe may be one among many. With crystal-clear prose and inspired use of analogy, Brian Greene shows how a range of different “multiverse” proposals emerges from theories developed to explain the most refined observations of both subatomic particles and the dark depths of space.

Particle Physics for Non-Physicists: A Tour of the Microcosmos

Would you like to know how the universe works? Scientists have been asking that question for a long time and have found that many of the answers can be found in the study of particle physics, the field that focuses on those impossibly tiny particles with unbelievably strange names - the hadrons and leptons, baryons and mesons, muons and gluons - so mystifying to the rest of us.

The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True

Richard Dawkins, the world’s most famous evolutionary biologist, presents a gorgeously lucid, science book examining some of the nature’s most fundamental questions both from a mythical and scientific perspective. Science is our most precise and powerful tool for making sense of the world. Before we developed the scientific method, we created rich mythologies to explain the unknown. The pressing questions that primitive men and women asked are the same ones we ask as children. Who was the first person? What is the sun? Why is there night and day?

The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind

For the first time in history, the secrets of the living brain are being revealed by a battery of high-tech brain scans devised by physicists. Now what was once solely the province of science fiction has become a startling reality. Recording memories, telepathy, videotaping our dreams, mind control, avatars, and telekinesis are not only possible; they already exist.

Publisher's Summary

Neil deGrasse Tyson has a talent for explaining the mysteries of outer space with stunning clarity and almost childlike enthusiasm. This collection of his essays from Natural History magazine explores a myriad of cosmic topics, from astral life at the frontiers of astrobiology to the movie industry's feeble efforts to get its images of night skies right.

Tyson introduces us to the physics of black holes by explaining what would happen to our bodies if we fell into one; he also examines the needless friction between science and religion, and notes Earth's status as "an insignificantly small speck in the cosmos".

Renowned for his ability to blend content, accessibility, and humor, Tyson is a natural teacher who simplifies some of the most complex concepts in astrophysics while sharing his infectious excitement for our universe.

What the Critics Say

"Tyson takes readers on an exciting journey from Earth's hot springs...to the universe's farthest reaches....witty and entertaining." (Publishers Weekly) "Smoothly entertaining, full of fascinating tidbits, and frequently humorous, these essays show Tyson as one of today's best popularizers of science." (Kirkus Reviews) "[Tyson] demonstrates a good feel for explaining science in an intelligible way to interested lay readers; his rather rakish sense of humor should aid in making the book enjoyable." (Library Journal)

Neil deGrasse Tyson presents this complex subject in a clear and gripping way. The reader,Dion Graham, has just the right pace and inflection to keep your attention. Normally, this subject requires diagrams to clarify what is being said but this presentation is clear without them.

Tyson is an authoratative television personality who also has a great grasp of physics and the universe. This book had such a catchy title, how could I have even passed it up?

While being much more approachable in terms of use of analogy to explain very complex scientific concepts, it is also a sounding board for Tyson to rant on a few topics that drive him crazy about popular culture's views of science.

That said, it was a very fun book and well worth the money. Tyson is fun to listen to and his thoughts travel smoothly from point to point. He introduced me to some new information that I, even as an avid reader of all things science, had not known.

The only thing that could have made this book even stronger, perhaps, would be expansion on some of the scientific thoughts for those of us more versed in science. But Tyson's strength is reaching the common man, and so I wasn't surprised that occasionally very in-depth accounting of scientific preceps didn't meet my voracious appetite's needs.

I'll definitely be re-listening to this every now and again, though. It's wonderful for sitting outside and staring at the amazing sky. Bravo :)

This is a great read for those looking to get an introduction to Space and Astronomy. The presentation bounces around lots of fascinating space facts and theories that keep you captivated. Even if you are not new to space, astronomy and the solar system, this is a great read. I found myself enjoying the many things I didn't know before and discovering space a new.

I read a lot of popular science and I really appreciate a well read, well written, presentation of the information. The author, a good choice for reading his own book, gives flavor and enthusiasm to his reading. He knows where he wants the emphasis and conveys his own excitement of the subject with his voice.
This is a basic introduction to the subject of astrophysics, and thus presents no mind-boggling discoveries to those who read or watch this subject closely. He does, however, answer many questions, sometime with speculation, which he freely admits, which I have been asking most of my life.
I listened to this book while I worked around the house, and my reluctance to stop listening gave me the opportunity to get lots of work done in the yard.
I highly recommend the book.

The author communicates beautifully, to the laymen and scientifically-minded alike, a cosmologists perspective on our place in the universe, as well as the places where others might inhabit.
Due to the way this book was compiled, of the content is a bit redundant, but that helps it sink in better, I guess.

I found it personally amazing at how I found the book enjoyable. I am an engineer and numbers and science come easy for me to understand, so maybe that has something to do with it. I had just finished reading "Einstein" so my mind was insync with the story of this book. I enjoyed the descriptions of how early thinkers went about proving their theories of the cosmos and heavens. I learned that my falling into a "black hole" would not involved my being compressed to death but rather it would involve my being pulled apart or disassembled atom by atom (or was it molecule by molecule). I have been enriched by this piece of knowledge and will find some way to use it in future conversations with my friends. I recommend the book.

Of the scientific book I listened to lately, this one was probably one of the best. Not just did it provide a comprehensible excursion through astrophysics, it also provided insights into other areas of the physical world and was intellectually quite stimulating...to the point where I had to write an E-mail to the author to ask a question about something I did not understand in the book...and the E-mail was promptly answered by a member of his lab...well worth the read!

Easy to understand for an astrophysics book! Neil does a great job of writing for the average person (I have a bachelor's in Chemistry, but I knew very little astrophysics). I never felt talked down to. It was a lot of fun to read! I especially enjoyed his description of a death by black hole as spaghettification. If you want to learn more about astrophysics, this is a great way to start!

Very enjoyable, offers brief explanations the sciences behind the objects which we use in everyday life as well as understandable clarifications of the findings in todays scientific frontiers. The author has a gift for making humorous and enlightening analogies and the narrator has an engaging voice. This is an audible offering I shall listen to many times.

This is a group of Essays written at different times. This leads to him repeating himself several times. If you did not understand a concept the first time, chances are you will hear it again. I think I heard that Drake came up with the Goldilocks scenario about five times. I found it a bit annoying that he would rant and rave about movie directors, TV producers and even Jodi Foster, saying they should have gotten every nuance correct, when his own book had so many repeats. Sometimes he would say "as mentioned earlier" but, most of the time it was presented as new material.

Thou Doest Protest To Much.

His ranting and raving about shows and movies went on for hours and is done at least twice in the book. Mention it and let's move on.

Since it is different essays, you may enjoy some parts better then others. For instance, every time I hear Boson or Quirks, my brain freezes, but when talking about Galaxies, Quasars, Suns, the expanding Universe etc.., I am all ears. Some parts read like math word problems and some parts are Oh Wow!. I learned a few things and that is the most important thing to me. I came away knowing stuff I did not know before, so cool.

Slip on the head phones, close your eyes and prepare for a truly captivating journey back to the beginning of time, a sling shot ride forward to the leading edge of space, and all the bits in between as to why it's all there and where it's all heading, superbly explained with a kingsize pinch of playful humour added throughout.

Awesome, book that budget Space Shuttle window seat, the sky at night will never look the same!

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Mick

Little Staughton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom

10/31/07

Overall

"Excellent!"

An excellent audiobook! Very well explained and (mostly) easy to follow theories and facts about the known and unknown universe. Brilliant for a long, long car journey. A fascinating exploration peppered with humour.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Mr. A. J. Price

5/21/08

Overall

"Enthralling collection of Essays"

Very well compiled and very well narrated. A fascinating collection of Astronomical essays read and written with love and enthusiasm. A great listen. Packed full of interesting topics.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Andrew

leek, staffs, United Kingdom

10/16/09

Overall

"Fascinating"

This is a fantastic audiobook. The writing is witty and narrated in a way which maintains interest throughout. Very worthwhile and massively interesting. My friend who previously showed no interest in the subject became obsessed with it after listening to this. If you can't make your mind up, choose this one.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Keith Peter

BilbaoSpain

4/10/09

Overall

"Hello cosmos!"

An excellent guided journey through the stars. It feels like you're on one of those city tour buses with fun and interesting facts being told at each stop along the tour. The narrators enthusiasm is infectious and I just didn't want to touch the pause button at all. I must admit that at one or two points I got a little lost, but this didn't affect the listening experience at all. Both entertaining and educational, a highly recommended listen.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Miss V. Bakova

London

8/23/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"It's great!"

If you could sum up Death by Black Hole in three words, what would they be?

A very interesting book

What did you like best about this story?

The great wonders of nature are explained in a concise and enjoyable way.

Which character – as performed by Dion Graham – was your favourite?

A not too good Neil DeGrasse impersonator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It is a book you need to seat and really listen. It is divided in several chapters. One a day could be a good idea so you can really digest all the information.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Stephanie Jane

a caravan somewhere in Europe

12/18/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"I still don't get particle physics but"

have crept a fraction closer to understanding thanks to this audio book! Fortunately the really heavy (for me) theory is intertwined with lots of more basic physics, plus chemistry, history, philosophy and even religion so there's a great mix of astrophysics based information in this book.Comprised of a series of essays which overlap, Death In A Black Hole covers some areas several times and I liked that, having listened for a few hours, I was finding myself 'accurately predicting' what the next few words might be as we had already covered part of the information some hours previously. I guess I've learned something! After having listened to the book, I read through some of the reviews here and was surprised that the narrator has come in for such criticism. I enjoyed his enthusiastic approach and didn't find his speech too fast at all. Much of the humour in the text is pleasantly dry and, for an American book, refreshingly sarcastic.I would buy more work by both the author and the narrator, just as soon as I've managed to memorise all this book. More listenings needed I think!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

12/8/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Accessible astrophysics"

I parted ways with science after A levels but wanted to find out a bit more about how things had changed in our understanding of the universe. Neil deGrasse Tyson delivers that in spades, with a series of individual vignettes that inform, amuse and entice. Sure, I'm not an expert in the Higgs-Boson or what the prospects are for finding intelligent life in the universe as a result of listening to this, but I did enjoy it and took away some real nuggets. I agree with others about the reading. I live in N America but am signed up to the UK version of Audible because I don't enjoy american accents, and this one is a difficult one to like. However, it didn't stop me listening to this and learning along the way.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Matheus

Diemen, Netherlands

4/13/13

Overall

"Neil deGrasse Tyson is awesome"

As every book or speech from Neil deGrasse Tyson, very informative, and interesting. He makes complicated astrophysics looks like as simple that anyone can understand.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Dr. G. Charlesworth

Reading UK

12/23/12

Overall

"An excellent Audio Book"

Neil deGrasse Tyson has done an excellent job of knitting together his series of short essays into a really interesting and informative coherent whole. The ground covered is remarkable and the anecdotes meaningful and often funny. Narration by Dion Graham is clear and deeply pleasing to the ear and means that you can listen over and over again without being irked by unusual pronunciations. I am so pleased that I bought this audio book.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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